Jacksonville Cheap Hotels in Jacksonville

No other city in the continental United States boasts a bigger area than Jacksonville, Florida. The first Spanish settlers arrived on this northeast Florida city's Atlantic Ocean coastline in 1513, making Jacksonville among North America's oldest cities. Two scenic river walks travel next to the St John's River, past the Jacksonville Maritime Heritage Center. The Southbank Riverwalk ends at the Museum of Science and History and the adjacent Friendship Fountain, one of the most impressive fountains on Earth. Jacksonville is home to one of the country's largest collection of golf courses and the nation's biggest urban park network.

Key attractions
Many Jacksonville tourist attractions are located at or near its downtown and namesake beach. Jacksonville Beach has become a popular quick wedding venue because of lax waiting period laws for out-of-state couples. The beach is less crowded than many of its counterparts farther south in Florida and home to the family-friendly Adventure Landing and Shipwreck Island Water Park. The Mandarin Museum and Historical Society stands alongside an 1876 farm complex at the riverfront Walter Jones Historical Park. Jacksonville Zoological Gardens, northeast Florida's only walking safari, is home to more than 1,000 exotic wildlife species.

Having fun
Seafood is, not surprisingly, frequently served up alongside steak, chicken, and hickory smoked ribs at Jacksonville Beach's many grill restaurants. The beach contains the city's liveliest nightlife, but pubs can easily be found downtown and at Independent Drive's Jacksonville Landing. The Shoppes of Avondale and the Five Points area of the historic Riverside district both boast renowned restaurants. The ALLTEL Stadium is home to the Jacksonville Jaguars National Football League team.

Shopping
A movie theater complex boasting 24 screens is one of the main attractions at the Regency Square Mall, one of Jacksonville's largest shopping centers. Southside Boulevard's Avenues Mall contains over 150 shops on its two levels. However, the Five Points district features the city's most eclectic cafés, antique shops, and vintage boutiques. San Marco Square's shops are all housed within unique Mediterranean Revival-style buildings. Riverside Arts Market visitors can browse over 100 stalls selling food and handmade goods beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge each Saturday from March to December.

Nearby
Much of northeast Florida's history is found within the city of St Augustine, which takes 45 minutes to reach from Jacksonville along Interstate 95. The oldest permanently-settled American city, St Augustine, was first established by Spanish settlers in 1565. This Spanish influence remains evident in landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, the country's oldest masonry fort, and the Fort Matanzas National Monument watchtower. Amelia Island, an hour's drive north of Jacksonville, is best known for its namesake plantation and status as the only United States territory governed by eight separate nations.

Near By Destinations

• Jesup, Georgia
• Lake Park, Georgia
• Orange City, Florida
• Darien, Georgia
• Palatka, Florida
• Waycross, Georgia
• DeLand, Florida
• Port Orange, Florida
• Orange Park, Florida
• Flagler Beach, Florida